re:3D Gigabot X 3D Printer Launches on Kickstarter

3Ders reports on yet another Kickstarter launch for Austin, Texas-based ultra large format3D printing specialist re:3D. re:3D is “now on its third Kickstarter, having raised…$250,000 in 2013 for its original Gigabot 3D printer and then $50,000 in 2015 for the Open Gigabot.”

Now they have launched the Kickstarter for the re:3D Gigabot X 3D Printer. This large-format pellet extrusion 3D printer promises “faster, cheaper, and greener possibilities for 3D printing…backers of the $50,000 campaign can secure a Gigabot X 3D printer for $9,500 or purchase kits and print heads for a smaller sum.”

“The Gigabot X builds upon the success of re:3D’s Gigabot 3+ while reducing dependence on extruded plastic. It does this by incorporating a pellet extrusion system, allowing the large-format 3D printer to easily print recycled plastic.”

re:3D’s goal, even all the way back in 2013, was to “ultimately create a 3D printer capable of printing using plastic trash. [They have] determined the first step in that direction is to focus on direct pellet extrusion – melting small chunks of plastic instead of extruded filament for the input material.” The Gigabot X development project was funded “using more than $225,000 raised through global pitch competitions last year.”

As re:3D’s Kickstarter campaign elaborates: “Rather than using filament, this miniaturized direct drive system accepts pelletized plastic that is pulled down from a hopper, pushed through a heated barrel, and extruded though a small nozzle. Our engineers have been collaborating with global makers to perfect our prototype and identify necessary features of the extrusion system.”